Looking west on how Neapolitan Way/Belair Lane would look with a makeover.

Looking west on Neapolitan Way to Belair Lane today.

Park Shore residents took the podium one after another Wednesday morning to tell City Council members why they can't support a proposed taxing district for their neighborhood.

Many agreed tired signage and landscaping at the entrances to the 43-year-old neighborhood could use updating.

But they also said, they didn't want to pay a tax to complete the suggested $2.1 million in renovations and $119,000 in annual maintenance.

They called the upcoming Dec. 19 vote before council to establish the district rushed. A year of hushed planning went into the project, but many residents were only informed of the proposal in October.

In order to put the measure to referendum by March and start the project next year, council would have to give the go ahead in two weeks.

"My suggestion is to consider deferring the ballot date until all information is shared," said resident Wafaa Assaad, who also serves on the city's Planning Advisory Board. "That way a decision is based on knowledge, not fear or anxiety."

If council were to vote in favor of the district, it would go to referendum in March when Park Shore residents could vote for or against an additional tax through mail ballot.

The district is looking at a maximum 0.25 millage rate for the first four years and 0.1 mills after that. For the owner of a $500,000 home, that would mean a maximum $125 annual tax for the first four years and $50 a year after that.

Spearheading the push for a district is the Park Shore Association, a voluntary group that does not represent all residents in the neighborhood. The association's board first began looking into how to improve the area last year. But the city advised members to finalize details of a proposal to present to council before presenting to all residents.

Mayor John Sorey said the intent was to be sure council had interest before too much time was invested in reaching out to all residents.

Councilman Bill Barnett, who was mayor when the association first approached the city last year, said it was up to the association to inform all residents.

"I think we (City Council) were trying to do more facilitating than anyone else," he said.

But Many residents living along Gulf Shore Boulevard North in the neighborhood belong to a separate association that has not had a say in the proposal.

F.E. Nortman, president of the Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums, first learned of the district in October. Her association oversees 60 condo complexes, 36 of which are in Park Shore.

"What was council thinking when this was proposed without [Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums] input?" she asked.

Dave Feight, treasurer of the Park Shore Association, said the plans he has now — which feature elaborate artwork at each entrance to the neighborhood, different paving stones, more landscaping and improved signage — are not set in stone.

"This is a concept," he said. "We know there are going to be changes to it."

Residents can speak again at the Dec. 19 meeting, when City Council will vote on whether to establish the district in time for a March vote.

City to continue appeal of Naples Bay speed zone ruling

A narrowly divided City Council voted to continue the city's appeal of a judge's ruling that voided slow-speed zones on Naples Bay on the grounds that they are not backed by a valid city law.

Council members Teresa Heitmann, Doug Finlay and Gary Price voted against keeping up the fight, which began when charter boat captains purposely violated the speed zones and then challenged their citations. Speed zone opponents have urged the city to drop the appeal.

Parking lot payment finalized

Council voted to use $1.61 million from the general fund to pay for the purchase of a downtown parking lot and all improvements to it.

The city offered to buy the parking lot from the Naples Woman's Club in November. The lot on Park Street, one block from Fifth Avenue South, will add about 50 downtown parking spaces.

School fence vote continued

Council agreed to continue an item about the possible installation of a seven-foot tall fence around a downtown school athletic field to its next meeting. City code allows for fences of three feet in height, and the school is asking for a variance. The school's principal wanted more time to talk to neighbors of the property who worried the fence would be an eyesore.